Inbred corn line ZS02461

ABSTRACT

Broadly this invention provides inbred corn line ZS02461. The methods for producing a corn plant by crossing the inbred line ZS02461 are encompassed by the invention. Additionally, the invention relates to the various parts of inbred ZS02461 including culturable cells. This invention relates to hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line ZS02461 with at least one other corn line.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is in the field of corn breeding, specifically relatingto an inbred corn line designated ZS02461.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The original maize plant was indigenous to the Western Hemisphere. Theplants were weedlike and only through the efforts of early breeders wasa cultivated crop species developed. The physical traits of maize aresuch that self pollination or cross pollination can occur. Each planthas a separate male and female flower, the tassel and ear, respectively.Natural pollination occurs when wind transfers pollen from tassel to thesilks on the corn ears. This type of pollination contributed to the widevariation of maize varieties present in the Western Hemisphere.

The development of a planned breeding program for maize only occurred inthe last century. Originally, maize was an open pollinated varietyhaving heterogeneous genotypes. The maize farmer selected uniform earsfrom the yield of these genotypes and reserved them for planting thenext season. The result was a field of maize plants that weresegregating for a variety of traits. This type of maize selection leadto at most incremental increases in seed yield.

Large increases in seed yield were the result of the development ofhybrid corn varieties in planned breeding programs. Hybrids weredeveloped by selecting corn lines and selfing these lines for severalgenerations to develop homozygous pure inbred lines and crossingselected inbred lines with unrelated inbred lines to produce hybridprogeny (F1). Inbred lines can be difficult to produce since theinbreeding process in corn decreases the vigor. However, when two inbredlines are crossed, the hybrid plant evidences greatly increased vigorcompared to open pollinated segregating maize plants. An importantfactor of the homozygosity and the homogeneity of the inbred lines isthat the hybrid from any cross will always be the same, and can bereproduced.

The ultimate objective of the commercial maize seed companies is toproduce high yielding, agronomically sound plants which perform well incertain regions or areas of the Corn Belt. To produce these types ofhybrids, the companies must develop inbreds which carry needed traitsinto the hybrid combination. Hybrids are not uniformly adapted for theCorn Belt, but are specifically adapted for regions of the Corn Belt.Northern regions of the Corn Belt require shorter season hybrids than dosouthern regions of the Corn Belt. Hybrids that grow well in Coloradoand Nebraska soils may not flourish in rich Illinois soil. Thus, avariety of major agronomic traits are important in hybrid combinationfor the various Corn Belt regions, and have an impact on hybridperformance.

Inbred line development and hybrid testing have been emphasized in thepast half century in commercial maize production as a means to increasehybrid performance. Inbred development is usually done by pedigreeselection. Pedigree selection can be selection in an F₂ populationproduced from a planned cross of two genotypes (often elite inbredlines), or selection of progeny of synthetic varieties, open pollinated,composite, or backcross populations. This type of selection is effectivefor highly inheritable traits, but other traits, for example, yieldrequires replicated test crosses at a variety of stages for accurateselection.

Maize breeders select for a variety of traits in inbreds that impacthybrid performance along with selecting for acceptable parental traits.Such traits include yield potential in hybrid combination; dry down;maturity; grain moisture at harvest; greensnap; resistance to rootlodging; resistance to stalk lodging; grain quality; disease and insectresistance; ear and plant height; performance in different soil typessuch as: low level of organic matter, clay, sand, black, high pH, lowpH; performance in: wet environments, drought environments, and notillage conditions. These traits appear to be governed by a complexgenetic system that makes selection and breeding of an inbred lineextremely difficult. Even if an inbred, in hybrid combination, hasexcellent yield (a desired characteristic), it may not be useful becauseit fails to have acceptable parental traits such as seed yield, seedsize, pollen production, good silks, plant height, etc.

To illustrate the difficulty of breeding and developing inbred lines,the following example is given. Two inbreds compared for similarity of29 traits differed significantly for 18 traits between the two lines. If18 simply inherited single gene traits were polymorphic with genefrequencies of 0.5 in the parental lines, and assuming independentsegregation (as would essentially be the case if each trait resided on adifferent chromosome arm), then the specific combination of these traitsas embodied in an inbred would only be expected to become fixed at arate of one in 262,144 possible homozygous genetic combinations.Selection of the specific inbred combination is also influenced by thespecific selection environment on many of these 18 traits which makesthe probability of obtaining this one inbred even more remote. Thus, thegeneral procedure of producing a non segregating F₁ generation and selfpollinating to produce a F₂ generation that segregates for traits doesnot easily lead to a useful inbred. Great care and breeder expertisemust be used in selection of breeding material to continue to increaseyield and agronomics of inbreds and resultant commercial hybrids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an inbred corn line ZS02461.Specifically, this invention relates to plants and seeds of this line.Additionally, this relates to a method of producing hybrid seed cornfrom this inbred. More particularly, this invention relates to theunique combination of traits in corn line ZS02461.

Generally then, the present invention includes an inbred corn seeddesignated ZS02461. This seed produces a corn plant.

The invention also includes the tissue culture of regenerable cells ofZS02461 wherein the tissue regenerates plants having the genotype ofZS02461. The tissue culture is selected from the group consisting ofleaves, pollen, embryos, roots, root tips, anthers silk, flowers,kernels, ears, cobs, husks and stalks, and cells and protoplaststhereof. The corn plant regenerated from ZS02461 having ZS02461'sgenotype.

The invention extends to hybrid seed produced by planting, inpollinating proximity seeds of corn inbred lines ZS02461 and anotherinbred line; cultivating corn plants resulting from said planting;preventing pollen production by the plants of one of the inbred lines;allowing natural cross pollinating to occur between said inbred lines;and harvesting seeds produced on plants of the inbred. The hybrid seedproduced by hybrid combination of plants of inbred corn seed designatedZS02461 and plants of another inbred line. Hybrid plants grown from thishybrid seed.

The invention further includes a method of hybrid F1 production. A firstgeneration (F1) hybrid corn plant produced by the process of planting,in pollinating proximity, seeds of corn inbred lines ZS02461 and anotherinbred line; cultivating corn plants resulting front said planting;preventing pollen production by the plants of one of the inbred lines;allowing natural cross pollinating to occur between said inbred lines;harvesting seeds produced on plants of the inbred; and growing aharvested seed.

A tissue culture of the regenerable cells of hybrid plants produced withuse of ZS02461 genetic material. A tissue culture of the regenerablecells of the corn plant produced by the method described above.

DEFINITIONS

In the description and examples which follow, a number of terms areused. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of thespecifications and claims, including the scope to be given such terms,the following definitions are provided.

BL MOIST

The moisture percentage of the grain at black layer, i.e., when 50% ofthe plants per plot have reached physiological maturity.

COLD GERM

Cold Germ is a measurement of seed germination under cold soilconditions. Data is reported as percent of seed germinating.

ECB

European corn borer a maize eating insect. ECBI is the first broodgeneration of European corn borers. ECBII is the second generation ofEuropean corn borers.

EMERGE

The number of emerged plants per plot (planted at the same seedlingrate) collected when plants have two fully developed leaves.

GI

This is a selection index which provides a single quantitative measureof the worth of a hybrid based on four traits. Yield is the primarytrait contributing to index values. The GI value is calculated bycombining stalk lodging, root lodging, yield and dropped ears accordingto the attached mathematical formula:

GI=100+0.5(YLD)−0.9(% STALK LODGE)−0.9(% ROOT LODGE)−2.7(% DROPPED EAR)

GLS

Gray Leaf Spot (Cercospora Zeae) disease rating. This is rated on a 1-9scale with a “1” being very susceptible, and a “9” being veryresistant.*

* Resistant—on a scale of 1-9 with 9 evidencing the trait most strongly:1-2.9 ratings are susceptible, 3-5.9 ratings are intermediate, and 6-9ratings are resistant.

GW

Goss' Wilt (Corynebacterium nebraskense). This is rated on a 1-9 scalewith a “1” being very susceptible, and a “9” being very resistant.*

* Resistant—on a scale of 1-9 with 9 evidencing the trait most strongly:1-2.9 ratings are susceptible, 3-5.9 ratings are intermediate, and 6-9ratings are resistant.

HEATP10

The number of Growing Degree Units (GDU's) or heat units required for aninbred line or hybrid to have approximately 10 percent of the plantsshedding pollen. This trait is measured from the time of planting.Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method where the GDU'sfor a 24 hour period are:${GDU} = {\frac{\left( {{{Max}\quad {Temp}\quad ({{^\circ}F})} + {{Min}\quad {Temp}\quad ({{^\circ}F})}} \right)}{2} - 50}$

The highest maximum temperature used is 86° F. and the lowest minimumtemperature used is 50° F. For each inbred or hybrid it takes a certainnumber of GDU's to reach various stages of plant development.

HEATBL

The number of GDU's after planting when approximately 50 percent of theinbred or hybrid plants in a plot have grain which has reachedphysiological maturity (black layer).

HEATPEEK

The number of GDU's after planting of an inbred when approximately 50percent of the plants show visible tassel extension.

HEATP50 or HTP50

The number of GDU's required for an inbred or hybrid to haveapproximately 50 percent of the plants shedding pollen. Growing DegreeUnits are calculated by the Barger Method as shown in the HEATP10definition.

HEATP90

The number of GDU's accumulated from planting when the last 100 percentof plants in an inbred or hybrid are still shedding enough viable pollenfor pollination to occur. Growing Degree Units are calculated by theBarger Method as shown in the HEATP10 definition.

HEATS10

The number of GDU's required for an inbred or hybrid to haveapproximately 10 percent of the plants with silk emergence of at least0.5 inches. Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method asshown in the HEATP10 definition.

HEATS50 or HTS50

The number of GDU's required for an inbred or hybrid to haveapproximately 50 percent of the plants with silk emergence of at least0.5 inches. Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method asshown in the HEATP10 definition.

HEATS90

The number of GDU's required for an inbred or hybrid to haveapproximately 90 percent of the plants with silk emergence of at least0.5 inches. Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method asshown in the HEATP10 definition.

MDMV_(A)

Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus strain A. The corn is rated on a 1-9 scale witha “1” being very susceptible, and a “9” being very resistant.*

* Resistant—on a scale of 1-9 with 9 evidencing the trait most strongly:1-2.9 ratings are susceptible, 3-5.9 ratings are intermediate, and 6-9ratings are resistant.

MDMV_(B)

Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus strain B. This is rated on a 1-9 scale with a“1” being very susceptible and a “9” being very resistant.*

* Resistant—on a scale of 1-9 with 9 evidencing the trait most strongly:1-2.9 ratings are susceptible, 3-5.9 ratings are intermediate, and 6-9ratings are resistant.

MOISTURE

The average percentage grain moisture of an inbred or hybrid at harvesttime.

NLB

Northern Leaf Blight (Exserohilum turcicum) disease rating. This israted on a 1-9 scale with a “1” being very susceptible, and a “9” beingvery resistant.*

* Resistant—on a scale of 1-9 with 9 evidencing the trait most strongly:1-2.9 ratings are susceptible, 3-5.9 ratings are intermediate, and 6-9ratings are resistant.

PCT TILLER

The total number of tillers per plot divided by the total number ofplants per plot.

PLANT

This term includes plant cells, plant protoplasts, plant cell tissuecultures from which corn plants can be regenerated, plant calli, plantclumps, and plant cells that are intact in plants or parts of plants,such as embryos, pollen, flowers, kernels, ears, cobs, leaves, husks,stalks, roots, root tips, anthers, silk and the like.

PLANT HEIGHT

The distance in centimeters from ground level to the base of the tasselpeduncle.

RM

Predicted relative maturity based on the moisture percentage of thegrain at harvest. This rating is based on known set of checks andutilizes standard linear regression analyses and is referred to as theMinnesota Relative Maturity Rating System.

SHED

The volume of pollen shed by the male flower rated on a 1-9 scale wherea “1” is a very light pollen shedder, a “4.5” is a moderate shedder, anda “9” is a very heavy shedder.

SLB

Southern Leaf Blight (Bipolaris maydis) disease rating. This is rated ona 1-9 scale with a “1” being very susceptible, and a “9” being veryresistant.*

* Resistant—on a scale of 1-9 with 9 evidencing the trait most strongly:1-2.9 ratings are susceptible, 3-5.9 ratings are intermediate, and 6-9ratings are resistant.

TWT

The measure of the weight of grain in pounds for a one bushel volumeadjusted for percent grain moisture.

VIGOR

Visual rating of 1 to 9 made 2-3 weeks post-emergence where a “1”indicates very poor early plant development, and a “9” indicatessuperior plant development.

WARM GERM

A measurement of seed germination under ideal (warm, moist) conditions.Data is reported as percent of seeds germinating.

YIELD (YLD)

Actual yield of grain at harvest adjusted to 15.5% moisture.Measurements are reported in bushels per acre.

% DROPPED EARS (DE)

The number of plants per plot which dropped their primary ear divided bythe total number of plants per plot.

% LRG FLAT

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a {fraction(26/64)} inch round screen and a {fraction (14/64)} inch slot screen,but does not pass through a screen with {fraction (20.5/64)} inch roundopenings.

% LRG ROUND

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a {fraction(26/64)} inch round screen, but does not pass through a {fraction(14/64)} inch slot screen or a screen with {fraction (20.5/64)} inchround openings.

% MED FLAT

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a {fraction(20.5/64)} inch round screen and a {fraction (13/64)} inch slottedscreen, but does not pass through a screen with {fraction (17/64)} inchround openings.

% MED ROUND

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a {fraction(20.5/64)} inch round screen, but does not pass through a {fraction(13/64)} inch slot screen or a screen with {fraction (17/64)} inch roundopenings.

% SML FLAT

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a {fraction(17/64)} inch round screen and a {fraction (12/64)} inch slotted screen,but does not pass through a screen with {fraction (15/64)} inch roundopenings.

% SML ROUND

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a {fraction(17/64)} inch round screen, but does not pass through a {fraction(12/64)} inch slotted screen or a screen with {fraction (15/64)} inchround openings.

% ROOT LODGE (RL)

Percentage of plants per plot leaning more that 30 degrees from verticaldivided by total plants per plot.

% STALK LODGE (SL)

Percentage of plants per plot with the stalk broken below the primaryear node divided by the total plants per plot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

ZS02461 can be used as a female, having acceptable seed productioncharacteristics and a large proportion of medium flat and medium roundseed size. When placed in hybrid combination with males, this inbredforms a workhorse hybrid with yield potential in all environments. Inhybrid combinations this inbred can be used as a male. But due to thisinbred's exceptional seed yield characteristics and its medium sizedkernels it is infrequently used as a male. This inbred in hybridcombination, is a robust hybrid exhibiting good vigor and emergence.This inbred is suspetible to sunscald under heat stress, and in highwind conditions can have a tendency to greensnap.

The inbred has shown uniformity and stability within the limits ofenvironmental influence for all the traits as described in the VarietyDescription Information (Table 1) that follows. Most of the data in theVariety Description information was collected at Slater, Iowa or otherGarst research stations.

The inbred has been self-pollinated for a sufficient number ofgenerations to give inbred uniformity. During plant selection in eachgeneration, the uniformity of plant type was selected to ensurehomozygosity and phenotypic stability. The line has been increased inisolated farmland environments with data on uniformity and agronomictraits being observed to assure uniformity and stability. No varianttraits have been observed or are expected in ZS02461.

The best method of producing the invention, ZS02461 which issubstantially homozygous, is by planting the seed of ZS02461 andself-pollinating or sib pollinating the resultant plant in an isolatedenvironment, and harvesting the resultant seed or the resultant pollen.The hybrid containing ZS02461 is best produced by planting the inbredZS02461 and an appropriate crossing line in an isolated environment,detasseling one inbred and cross-pollinating with the pollen of theother inbred and harvesting the resultant seed or the resultant pollen.Alternatively, the pollen of ZS02461 can be stored and then applied toan inbred to form hybrid seed. This seed can be planted to form thehybrid plant which then forms grain that is segegrating.

TABLE 1

ZS02461 VARIETY DESCRIPTION INFORMATION • Type: Dent, adapted to theNorthern areas of the US corn belt • GRM: ZS02461 has a GRM 88. Hybridsrange from 85-100 day. • Entomology: ECB1 - 5.25 - Ratings scale 9 =highly resistant ECB2 - 4.29 - 1 = highly susceptible • Maturity: DaysHeat Limits ˜69-78 1389-1415 From planting to 50% of plants in silk˜68-76 1354-1387 From planting to 50% of plants in polen ˜3-4 - From 10%to 90% pollen shed • DISEASE RESISTANCE - Northern leaf blight = 2.5Gray leafspot = 2.5 GW = 2.5 MDMVB = 1.0 Eyespot = 4.5 • An Inbredcomparable to ZS02461 is ZS0510.

INBRED  ZS08461 7 2461 #3 MATURITY DAYS HEATUNITS 78 1398 FROM PLANTINGTO 50% OF PLANTS IN SILK 76 1354 FROM PLANTING TO 50% OF PLANTS INPOLLEN 3 FROM 10% TO 90% POLLEN SHED #4 PLANT DATA 2 ANTHOCYANIN OFBRACE ROOTS: 1 = ABSENT 2 = FAINT 3 = MODERATE 4 = DARK #5 LEAFCOLOR/DATA 3/DARK GREEN LEAF COLOR **MUNSELL CODE-5GY 4/6 4 LEAF SHEATHPUBESCENCE (1 = NONE TO 9 = PEACH FUZZ) 4 MARGINAL WAVES (1 = NONE TO 9=MANY) 3 LONGITUDINAL CREASES (1 = NONE TO 9 = MANY) #6 TASSEL COLOR/DATA5 POLLEN SHED (0 = STERILE TO 9 = HEAVY SHEDDER) 5/GREEN-YELLOW ANTHERCOLOR **MUNSELL CODE-2.5GY 8/7 1&8/LGRN/YLOR GLUME COLOR **MUNSELLCODE-2.5GY 6/6 W/S 5YR 5/8 1 BAR GLUME: 1 = ABSENT 2 = PRESENT #7A EAR(UNHUSKED DATA) COLOR/DATA 22/TAN SILK COLOR (3 DAYS AFTER EMERGE)**MUNSELL CODE-7.5YR 7/4 2/MEDIUM GREEN FRESH HUSK (25 DAYS AFTER 50%SILK) **MUNSELL CODE-5GY 6/8 6/PALE YELLOW DRY HUSK COLOR (65 DAYS AFTER50% SILK **MUNSELL CODE-5Y 8/7 1 POSITION OF EAR AT DRY HUSK: 1 =UPRIGHT 2 = HORIZONTAL 3 = PENDENT 3 HUSK TIGHTNESS (1 = VERY LOOSE TO 9= VERY TIGHT) 2 HUSK EXTENSION AT HARVEST: 1 = EXPOSED EAR 2 = 8 CM 3 =8-10 CM 4 = >10 CM #7B EAR (HUSKED DATA) DATA 2 KERNEL ROWS: 1 =INDISTINCT 2 = DISTINCT 1 ROW ALIGNNENT: 1 = STRAIT 2= SLIGHT CURVE 3 =SPIRAL 1 EAR TAPPER: 1= SLIGHT 2 = AVERAGE 3 = EXTREME #8 KERNEL (DRY)COLOR/DATA 1 ALEURONE COLOR PATTERN: 1 = HOMO 2 = SEG 8/YELLOW-ORNGEALEURONE COLOR **MUNSELL CODE-7.5YR 7/10 8/YELLOW-ORNGE HARD ENDOSPERMCOLOR **MUNSELL CODE-7.5YR 6/10 3 ENDOSPERM TYPE 7/YELLOW CROWN COLOR**MUNSELL CODE-2.5Y 8/10 #9 COB COLOR 24/BRONZE COB COLOR **MUNSELLCODE-2.5YR 5/6

1997 PVP TRAITS

N MEAN STD. T-STAT PROB 95% CI EAR HEIGHT(CM) 15 77.40 5.79 51.76 0.0000(74.47, 80.33) LENGTH OF PRIMARY EAR LEAF(CM) 15 87.80 3.53 96.35 0.0000(86.01, 89.59) WIDTH OF PRIMARY EAR LEAF(CM) 15 8.45 0.53 62.05 0.0000(8.19, 8.72) TOP EAR INTERNODE(CM) 15 13.16 1.22 41.80 0.0000 (12.54,13.78) DEGREE OF LEAF ANGLE 15 26.93 4.67 22.35 0.0000 (24.57, 29.30) #OF EARS PER PLANT 15 2.00 0.00 (2.00, 2.00) # OF LEAVES ABOVE TOP EAR 154.27 0.46 36.10 0.0000 (4.04, 4.50) # OF PRIMARY LATERAL TASSEL BRANCHES15 6.33 1.05 23.44 0.0000 (5.80, 6.86) PLANT HEIGHT(CM) 15 173.7 8.1282.83 0.0000 (169.6, 177.8) TASSEL LENGTH(CM) 15 31.53 2.00 61.21 0.0000(30.52, 32.54) TASSEL BRANCH ANGLE 15 27.33 8.09 13.09 0.0000 (23.24,31.43) # OF TILLER PER PLANTS 15 0.00 0.00 (0.00, 0.00) WEIGHT PER 100KERNELS(GM) 15 21.33 2.46 33.59 0.0000 (20.08, 22.57) EAR LENGTH(CM) 1516.31 0.49 128.4 0.0000 (16.06, 16.56) EAR WEIGHT(GM) 15 90.20 7.6545.69 0.0000 (86.33, 94.07) # OF KERNEL ROWS 15 12.67 1.63 30.04 0.0000(11.84, 13.49) COB DIAMETER AT MID-POINT(MM) 15 22.14 1.17 73.57 0.0000(21.55, 22.73) EAR DIAMETER AT MID-POINT(MM) 15 34.71 1.64 81.79 0.0000(33.88, 35.54) KERNEL LENGTH(MM) 15 9.13 0.72 48.79 0.0000 (8.76, 9.49)KERNEL THICKNESS(MM) 15 5.11 0.81 24.38 0.0000 (4.70, 5.52) KERNELWIDTH(MM) 15 7.62 0.74 39.89 0.0000 (7.25, 7.99) % ROUND KERNELS(SHAPEGRADE) 15 34.10 8.69 15.20 0.0000 (29.70, 38.50) SHANK LENGTH 15 12.092.71 17.31 0.0000 (10.72, 13.46)

The purity and homozygosity of inbred ZS02461 is constantly beingtracked using isozyme genotypes as shown in Table 2.

Isozyme Genotypes for ZS02461

Isozyme data were generated for inbred corn line ZS02461 according toprocedures known and published in the art. The data in Table 2 gives theelectrophoresis data on ZS02461.

TABLE 2 ELECTROPHORESIS RESULTS FOR ZS02461 INBRED ACP1 ACP4 ADH MDH1MDH2 PGD1 PGD2 PH1 PGM IDH ZS02461 11 00 22 22 11 11 11 22 22 11 Inbredand Hybrid Performance of ZS02461

The traits and characteristics of inbred corn line ZS02461 are listed tocompare with other inbreds and/or in hybrid combination ZS02461 datashows the characteristics and traits of importance, giving a snapshot ofZS02461.

Table 3A compares inbred ZS02461 with inbred ZS0510. ZS02461 has greaterplant height and ear height than ZS0510. ZS02461 silks significantlyearlier than ZS0510. ZS02461 reaches pollination with similar GDUs toZS0510 at all HEATP ratings. And, ZS02461 reaches HEAT PEEK withsignficantly more GDU's than ZS0510. ZS02461 shows significantly highergrain moisture at harvest but significantly less inbred yields thanZS0510. ZS02461 evidences significantly better vigor and emergence thanZS0510.

TABLE 3A PAIRED INBRED COMPARISON DATA PCT PLANT EAR EAR PCT YEAR INBREDVIGOR EMERGE TILLER HEIGHT HEIGHT SHED QUALITY BARREN OVERALL ZS024616.9 83.1 161.5 82.0 6.2 ZS0510 5.1 68.8 143.9 58.7 6.4 # EXPTS 8 8 8 8 5DIFF 1.8 14.2 17.6 23.2 0.2 PROB 0.000*** 0.003*** 0.000*** 0.000***0.621 YEAR INBRED HEATP10 HEATP50 HEATP90 HEATS10 HEATS50 HEATS90OVERALL ZS02461 1326 1372 1476 1360 1389 1423 ZS0510 1310 1357 1487 13281354 1394 # EXPTS 6 6 6 6 6 6 DIFF 17 15 11 32 34 28 PROB 0.210 0.3580.553 0.010*** 0.033** 0.008*** BL % ROOT % STALK % DROPPED YEAR INBREDHEATPEEK HEATBL MOIST LODGE LODGE EARS MOISTURE YIELD OVERALL ZS024611244 2331 12.1 78.6 ZS0510 1223 2355 11.0 61.7 # EXPTS 6 1 8 8 DIFF 2224 1.1 16.9 PROB 0.088* 0.016** 0.010** WARM COLD % LRG % LRG % MED %MED % SML % SML YEAR INBRED GERM GERM ROUND FLAT ROUND FLAT ROUND FLATOVERALL ZS02461 95.6 90.9 28.0 38.6 ZS0510 94.3 85.4 34.4 32.0 # EXPTS 87 7 7 DIFF 1.4 5.5 6.4 6.6 PROB 0.266 0.289 0.222 0.110

Table 4 shows the GCA (general combining ability) estimates of ZS02461compared with the GCA estimates of other inbreds. The estimates show thegeneral combining ability is weighted by the number ofexperiment/location combinations in which the specific hybridcombination occurs. The interpretation of the data for all traits isthat a positive comparison is a practical advantage. A negativecomparison is a practical disadvantage. The general combining ability ofan inbred is clearly evidenced by the results of the general combiningability estimates. This data compares the inbred parent in a number ofhybrid combinations to a group of “checks”. The check data is from othercompanies' hybrids, particularly the leader in the industry and Garst'scommercial products and pre-commercial hybrids which were grown in thesame sets and locations.

Table 4 shows ZS02461 crossed in hybrid combinations. ZS02461 showsyield, moistures and yield by moisture (YM) advantage over ZS0510.

TABLE 4 N FI YM GI I YLD MST ZS02461 XR = 162 1.9 0.3  0.1  1.2  2.0 0.8ZS0510 XR = 652 0.3 0.3 −3.5 −2.5 −6.2 1.6 % SL % RL % DE TWT POP RMZS02461 XR = −0.9 0.5 0.0 0.0 −133  85 ZS0511 XR =  0.2 0.0 0.0 0.2  −26110

Table 5 shows ZS02461, in a hybrid combination, in comparison with theplants in the environment around it at the same location. ZS02461 inhybrid combination yields well in low to medium yielding environments.In these yielding environments ZS02461, in hybrid combination, outyields ZS0510 as a hybrid. In high yielding environments, ZS02461 hybridtends to show more aggressive yields compared to the environment andcompared to hybrid combination of ZS0510/X.

TABLE 5 YIELD RESPONSE 1. HYBRID YIELD Environment 75 100 125 150 175200 ZS02461/X 79 105 130 156 181 207 2. HYBRID YIELD Environment 75 100125 150 175 200 ZS0510/X 72  96 120 144 168 192

Table 6A shows the advantage ZS02461 hybrid has compared to onecommercially available Garst hybrid. The ZS02461 hybrid is better inyield, is better in yield/moisture advantage compared to hybrid 8990.These two hybrids carry a common inbred.

TABLE 6A PAIRED HYBRID COMPARISON DATA % ROOT % STALK % DROPPED TESTYEAR HYBRID LODGE LODGE EARS WEIGHT MOISTURE YIELD GI OVERALL ZS02461/X0.6 5.1 0.1 49.5 20.5 137.7 163.4 8990 0.4 6.7 0.0 50.2 19.3 128.4 157.8# EXPTS 38 38 38 32 38 38 38 DIFF 0.3 1.6 0.1 0.6 1.2 9.3 5.7 PROB 0.3970.164 0.267 0.436 0.000*** 0.000*** 0.001*** YEAR INBRED MATURITY Y M FIOVERALL ZS02461/X * 7.2 116 8990 * 7.1 113 # EXPTS * 38 38 DIFF * 0.12.9 PROB 0.680 0.126 *.05 < PROB <= .10 **.01 < PROB <= .05 ***.00 <PROB <= .01

Table 6B shows the advantages and disadvantages generated by comparisonof the agronomic data of the two hybrids. ZS02461 brings its vigor intothe hybrid package.

TABLE 6B ZS02461/x vs. 8990 AGRONOMIC DATA Advantage of ZS02461/x over8990 PLANT EAR HYBRID N ESTAND EMG VIGOR HEIGHT HEIGHT STAYGREEN 13 −3.61.1 1.5 −0.4 1.4 0.8

The inbred ZS02461 can be employed as the female or a male in a hybridproduction field. This inbred is a vigorous line with good inbred seedyield. ZS02461, in hybrid combination, produces hybrids that haveexcellent yield potential across environments. ZS02461 inbred has goodgeneral combining ability, especially with non-stiff stalk.

The present invention can by mutagenisis be transformed into an isogenicline with the brown mid rib mutation, low phytic acid mutation, theimazethapry (IT) mutation, and the various starch mutations such as ae,waxy, dull, and the like. The use of EMS as a mutating agent chemicalpermits single point mutations in corn has been known and used since atleast the early seventies. Other mutating chemicals are also capable ofcausing these type of mutations and generating a line that is isogenicor nearly isogenic to the present invention.

The present invention can also be transformed to carry well knowntransgenic genes (as well as less well known genes) such as the bacillusthuringiensis genes that encode for an insect resistant crystallineprotein for example Cry genes like Cry V, Cry lab, Cry lac, Cry 9c. Thepresent invention can also be transformed to carry herbicide genes suchas ESPS bar, pat, and the like. The regeneration of transformed cells isnow a precise science which generates plants that are characterized bythe original plant characteristics with the added benefit of thetransgenes trait. The use of pollen transformation as a transformationmethod eliminates the need for regeneration of the cells and appears toproduce lines which are nearly isogenic to the present invention whileadditionally carrying the characteristic expressed by the addedtransgene.

The present invention can by mutagenesis be transformed into an isogenicline with the brown mid rib mutation, low phytic acid mutation, theimalzethaphryl (IT) mutation, and this various starch mutations such asae, waxy, dull, and the like. The use of EMS as a mutating agentchemical permits single point mutations in corn has been known and usedsince at least the early seventies. Other mutating chemicals are alsocapable of causing these type of mutations and generating a line that isisogenic or nearly isogenic to the present invention. The presentinvention can also be transformed to carry well known transgenic genes(as well as less well known genes) such as the bacillus thuringiensisgenes that encode for an insect resistant crystalline protein forexample Cry genes like Cry V, Cry lab, Cry lac, Cry 9c. The presentinvention can also be transformed to carry herbicide genes such as ESPS,bar, pat, and the like. The regeneration of transformed cells is now aprecise science which generates plants that are characterized by theoriginal plant characteristics with the added benefit of the transgenestrait. The use of pollen transformation as a transformation methodeliminates the need for regeneration of the cells and appears to producelines which are nearly isogenic to the present invention whileadditionally carrying the characteristic expressed by the addedtransgene.

The foregoing is set forth by way of example and is not intended tolimit the scope of the invention.

This invention also is directed to methods for producing a corn plant bycrossing a first parent corn plant with a second parent corn plantwherein the first or second parent corn plant is an inbred corn plantfrom the line ZS02461. Further, both first and second parent corn plantscan come from the inbred corn line ZS02461. A variety of breedingmethods can be selected depending on the mode of reproduction, thetrait, the condition of the germplasm. Thus, any such methods using theinbred corn line ZS02461 are part of this invention: selfing,backcrosses, hybrid production, crosses to populations, haploid andanther culturing and the like.

Various culturing techniques known to those skilled in the art, such ashaploid, transformation, and a host of other conventional andunconventional methods are within the scope of the invention. All plantsand plant cells produced using inbred corn line ZS02461 are within thescope of this invention. The invention encompasses the inbred corn lineused in crosses with other, different, corn inbreds to produce (F1) cornhybrid seeds and plants. This invention includes cells which upon growthand differentiation produce corn plants having the physiological andmorphological characteristics of the inbred line ZS02461.

Duncan, from at least 1985-1988 produced literature on plantregeneration from callus. Both inbred and hybrid callus have resulted inregenerated plants at excellent efficiency rates. Somatic embryogenesishas been performed on various maize tissue such as glume which beforethe 1980's was considered unusable for this purpose. The prior artclearly teaches the regeneration of plants from various maize tissues.

European Patent Application, publication 160,390, describes tissueculture of corn which can be used by those skilled in the art. Corntissue culture procedures are also described in the literature as earlyas 1982. Various culturing techniques known to those skilled in the art,such as haploid, (stock six is a method that has been in use for twentyyears and is well known to those with skill in the art), transformation,and a host of other conventional and unconventional methods are withinthe scope of the invention. All plants and plant cells produced usingthe inbred corn line are within the scope of this invention. The termtransgenic plant refers to plants having exogenous genetic sequenceswhich are introduced into the genome of a plant by a transformationmethod and the progeny thereof.

Transformation Methods—are means for integrating new genetic codingsequences into the plant's genome by the incorporation of thesesequences into a plant through man's assistance.

Though there are a large number of known methods to transform plants,certain types of plants are more amenable to transformation than areothers. Tobacco is a readily transformable plant. The basic steps oftransforming plants including monocots are known in the art. These stepsare concisely outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,956 “Fertile TransgenicZea mays Plants Comprising Heterologous DNA Encoding BacillusThuringiensis Endotoxin” issued Jan. 16, 1996 and U.S. Pat. No.5,489,520 “Process of Producing Fertile Zea mays Plants and ProgenyComprising a Gene Encoding Phosphinothricin Acetyl Transferase” issuedFeb. 6, 1996.

Plant cells such as maize can be transformed by a number of differenttechniques. Some of these techniques which have been reported on and areknown in the art include maize pollen transformation (See University ofToledo 1993 U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,010); Biolistic gun technology (See U.S.Pat. No. 5,484,956); Whiskers technology (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,464,765and 5,302,523); Electroporation; PEG on Maize; Agrobacterium (See 1996article on transformation of maize cells in Nature Biotechnology, Volume14, June 1996) along with numerous other methods which may have slightlylower efficiency rates then those listed. Some of these methods requirespecific types of cells and other methods can be practiced on any numberof cell types.

The use of pollen, cotyledons, meristems and ovum as the target issuecan eliminate the need for extensive tissue culture work. However, thepresent state of the technology does not provide very efficient use ofthis material.

Generally, cells derived from meristematic tissue are useful. Zygoticembryos can also be used. Additionally, the method of transformation ofmeristematic cells of cereal is also taught in the PCT applicationW096/04392. Any of the various cell lines, tissues, plants and plantparts can and have been transformed by those having knowledge in theart. Methods of preparing callus from various plants are well known inthe art and specific methods are detailed in patents and references usedby those skilled in the art. Cultures can be initiated from most of theabove identified tissue. The only true requirement of the transformingmaterial is that it can form a transformed plant. The transgenic genecan come from various non-plant genes (such as; bacteria, yeast,animals, viruses) along with being from animal or plants.

The DNA used for transformation of these plants clearly may be circular,linear, double or single stranded. Usually, the DNA is in the form of aplasmid. The plasmid usually contains regulatory and/or targetingsequences which assists the expression of the gene in the plant. Themethods of forming plasmids for transformation are known in the art.Plasmid components can include such items as: leader sequences, transitpolypeptides, promoters, terminators, genes, introns, marker genes, etc.The structures of the gene orientations can be sense, antisense, partialantisense, or partial sense: multiple gene copies can be used.

The regulatory promoters employed can be constitutive such as CaMv35S(usually for dicots) and polyubiquitin for monocots or tissue specificpromoters such as CAB promoters, etc. The prior art includes but is notlimited to octopine synthase, nopaline synthase, CaMv19S, mannopinesynthase promoters. These regulatory sequences can be combined withintrons, terminators, enhancers, leader sequences and the like in thematerial used for transformation.

The isolated DNA is then transformed into the plant. Many dicots caneasily be transformed with Agrobacterium. Some monocots are moredifficult to transform. As previously noted, there are a number ofuseful transformation processes. The improvements in transformationtechnology are beginning to eliminate the need to regenerate plants fromcells. Since 1986, the transformation of pollen has been published andrecently the transformation of plant meristems have been published. Thetransformation of ovum, pollen, and seedlings meristem greatly reducethe difficulties associated with cell regeneration of different plantsor genotypes within a plant can present. Duncan, from at least 1985-1988produced literature on plant regeneration from callus. Both inbred andhybrid callus have resulted in regenerated plants. Somatic embryogenesishas been performed on various maize tissue which was considered unusablefor this purpose. The prior art clearly teaches the regeneration ofplants from various maize tissues.

The most common method of transformation is referred to as gunning ormicroprojectile bombardment. This biolistic process has small goldcoated particles coated with DNA shot into the transformable material.Techniques for gunning DNA into cells, tissue, callus, embryos, and thelike are well known in the prior art.

After the transformation of the plant material is complete, the nextstep is identifying the cells or material which has been transformed. Insome cases, a screenable marker is employed such as thebeta-glucuronidase gene of the uidA locus of E coli. Then, thetransformed cells expressing the colored protein are selected for eitherregeneration or further use. In many cases, the transformed material isidentified by a selectable marker. The putatively transformed materialis exposed to a toxic agent at varying concentrations. The cells whichare not transformed with the selectable marker that provides resistanceto this toxic agent die. Cells or tissues containing the resistantselectable marker generally proliferate. It has been noted that althoughselectable markers protect the cells from some of the toxic affects ofthe herbicide or antibiotic, the cells may still be slightly effected bythe toxic agent by having slower growth rates. If the transformedmaterial was cell lines then these lines are regenerated into plants.The cell's lines are treated to induce tissue differentiation. Methodsof regeneration of cellular maize material are well known in the artsince early 1982. European Patent Application, publication 160,390,describes tissue culture of corn which can be used by those skilled inthe art. The plants from either the transformation process or theregeneration process or crossed to either such plants or a progeny ofsuch plants are transgenic plants.

Various techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as haploid,transformation, and a host of other conventional and unconventionalmethods are within the scope of the invention. All plants and plantcells produced using inbred corn line ZS02461 are within the scope ofthis invention. The invention encompasses the inbred corn line used incrosses with other, different, corn inbreds to produce (F1) corn hybridseeds and plants with the characteristics that make good hybrids. Thisinvention includes cells which upon growth and differentiation producecorn plants having the physiological and morphological characteristicsof the inbred line ZS02461.

A deposit of at least 2500 seeds of the inbred seed of this invention ismaintained by Garst, 2369 330th Street, Slater, Iowa 50244. Access tothis deposit will be available during the pendency of this applicationto the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks and persons determined bythe Commissioner to be entitled thereto upon request. All restrictionson availability to the public of such material will be removed uponissuance of any claims in this application by depositing at least 2500seeds of this invention at the American Type Culture Collection,Rockville, Md. The deposit of at least 2500 seeds will be from inbredseed taken from the deposit maintained by Garst. The ATCC deposit willbe maintained in that depository, which is a public depository, for aperiod of 30 years, or 5 years after the last request, or for theeffective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replacedif it becomes nonviable during that period.

Information on some ZS designations may be available from the PVPoffice.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degreeof particularity directed to the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present inventionis defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior artso that modifications or changes may be made to the preferred embodimentof the present invention without departing from the inventive conceptscontained herein.

We claim:
 1. Inbred corn seed designated ZS02461, some of said seeddeposited in the ATCC and carries patent deposit designation PTA-942. 2.A corn plant produced by the seed of claim
 1. 3. A tissue culture ofregenerable cells of ZS02461 deposited ZS02461 of claim 1 wherein thetissue regenerates plants comprising all the physiological andmorphological characteristics of ZS02461.
 4. A tissue culture accordingto claim 3, the tissue culture selected from the group consisting ofleaves, pollen, embryos, roots, root tips, anthers, silk, flowers,kernels, ears, cobs, husks and stalks, and cells and protoplaststhereof.
 5. A corn plant comprising all the physiological andmorphological characteristics of ZS02461 deposited ZS02461 designatedregenerated from the tissue culture of claim
 3. 6. Hybrid seed producedby: (a) planting, in pollinating proximity, seeds of corn inbred linesZS02461 deposited ZS02461 designated PTA-942 and another inbred line,one of said inbred lines not releasing pollen; (b) cultivating cornplants resulting from said planting; (c) allowing natural crosspollinating to occur between said inbred lines; and (d) harvesting seedsproduced on the non pollen releasing inbred.
 7. Hybrid seed produced byhybrid combination of plants of inbred corn seed designated ZS02461deposited ZS02461 designated PTA-942 in claim 1 and plants of anotherinbred line.
 8. Hybrid plants grown from seed of claim
 7. 9. A firstgeneration (F1) hybrid corn plant produced by using ZS02461 according toclaim 1 deposited ZS02461 designated PTA-942, in the process of: (a)planting seeds of corn inbred lines ZS02461 and another inbred line; (b)cultivating corn plants resulting from said planting; (c) preventingpollen production by the plants of one of the inbred lines; (d) allowingpollinating to occur between said inbred lines; (e) harvesting seedsproduced on plants of the inbred line of step (c); and (f) growing aharvested seed of step (e).
 10. A tissue culture of the regenerablecells of the corn plant of claim
 8. 11. A tissue culture of theregenerable cells of the corn plant of claim 9.